HB 56 (2020) - Drugs/Paraphernalia Near Churches

the sale of drug paraphernalia on the grounds of or within three miles of a school campus, and

the unauthorized sale of controlled substances and the sale of drug paraphernalia on the grounds of or within three miles of a church or place of worship.

Current law prohibits the sale of drug paraphernalia, as well as the unauthorized sale of controlled substances. Current law also imposes additional criminal penalties for the sale of controlled substances when the sale takes place on the grounds or within three miles of a school campus.

Status

This bill was introduced by Rep. Hall on February 4, 2020. It was assigned to the House Judiciary committee where it was offered a substitute. It was then sent to the Criminal Justice subcommittee over concerns regarding the inclusion of paraphernalia and the mandatory minimum sentencing provisions.

The ACLU of Alabama worked alongside Alabama Appleseed to draft an amendment to lower the radius requirement for schools and churches from three miles to 1,000 feet in line with federal law. An amendment was offered which met our concerns and was introduced in committee as requested by Rep. Hall. HB 56 was then favorably passed out of committee on March 4, 2020. It has been sent to the Alabama House floor and is now pending House floor action.

News

2/12/2020 - Ala. House bill filed that would strengthen sentences of drug deals around churches [WAFF]